More Coverage

Goaltender Brian Elliott became the latest netminder sent packing by the Senators Friday. The 25-year-old Elliott was dealt to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for Craig Anderson.

The 29-year-old Anderson, a pending UFA at the end of the season, wasn't getting the job done with the Avs, while Elliott had lost 15 of his last 16 games for the Senators. Both teams felt it was time to give their struggling goalies a fresh start.

"He seemed very excited when I talked to him," Senators GM Bryan Murray said of Anderson. "It's a new opportunity for him as well."

Murray said the Senators already had their eye on Anderson as a potential free-agent target next summer, and now will essentially get to audition him for the rest of the season.

"The good thing about it is we get a chance for (23) games to look and watch (Anderson)," Murray said. "We have (potential UFAs) rated, and I hope the ratings are right. We thought that he was going to be one of the guys available this summer that we liked."

Murray hasn't had any contract talks with Anderson's agent, Justin Duberman, but it appears it will be only a matter of time before the two sides discuss extending the goalie's contract.

The injury-plagued Pascal Leclaire's NHL career will likely be over after this season, so the Senators are going to need a veteran to start and help mentor young Robin Lehner.

"Craig is excited to be part of Ottawa's organization and he's excited to have a fresh start and a new chapter," said Duberman. "He enjoyed his time in Colorado. He's moving on and he's looking forward to what's in front and not what's behind."

This hasn't been the kind of season Anderson expected after leading the Avs to the playoffs last spring. He has a losing record at 13-15-3, and his .900 save percentage is his worst since his .886 mark with the Blackhawks in 2005-06.

"He had a real solid season for us last year," Colorado coach Joe Sacco told the Denver Post.

"He played very well. For whatever reasons, things weren't working out quite the same this year ... I don't know the exact reasons. He missed some time at the beginning of the year with an injury (knee) that may have set him back a little bit."

Anderson's new teammates sounded excited to welcome him to the fold.

"He's the kind of goalie who is capable of getting hot," said Ottawa centre Jason Spezza.

Elliott was the fourth player the Senators have sent packing in the past eight days, but unlike with his trades of Mike Fisher, Chris Kelly and Jarkko Ruutu, Murray actually got a player in return this time.

Murray said it was important to make a player-for-player trade to send a message to the Senators dressing room that the club isn't simply unloading salaries.

"Everything I've done (up to this point) has been a draft pick," said Murray. "At least we're bringing a guy back here that's very credible, actually more than credible. He's a very good goaltender."

Murray said once Leclaire is healthy, Lehner will be sent to AHL Binghamton to get his game together. Leclaire could return from his hip/groin issues next week.

"We want Robin to play some games," said Murray. "I think he's got the strength of character to do that, but he needs time. Our hope is that this helps (Lehner) a great deal."